FRA Updates: More Email, Less Paper for Train Crash Reports
Published Date: 8/31/2026
Rule
Summary
This rule makes miscellaneous amendments to FRA's accident reporting regulations. Specifically, these amendments promote submitting documents to FRA electronically, eliminate redundant regulations, and allow railroads with additional time to complete certain forms.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Penalty Standard for False Supplements
Anyone who knowingly and willfully files a false Supplement is now subject to a fine under title 18 of the U.S. Code and up to two years imprisonment, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 21311(a). This change replaces an older fixed $5,000 fine amount in Sec. 225.12(h)(2).
Electronic Submission Required
Railroads must send certain documents to FRA by email. For example, consolidated reporting requests must be sent to the FRA email address listed in Sec. 225.6(c), and late-accident reports must be submitted immediately by email to the address in Sec. 225.13.
Faster Consolidated Reporting Decisions
FRA will decide consolidated-reporting requests faster: the decision deadline is reduced from 90 days to 60 days, though the 60-day period is tolled while FRA requests additional information. Requests must be sent by email as specified in Sec. 225.6(c).
More Time to Complete Injury Records
Railroads now have more time to enter each accountable injury, illness, and rail equipment accident/incident on the appropriate record: the deadline changes from "seven working days" to "15 calendar days" in Sec. 225.25(f). FRA says this applies to Forms FRA F 6180.97 and F 6180.98 or equivalent railroad records.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-17790, Retiring Form FRA F 6180.107 and Form FRA F 6180.150
This rule retires Form FRA F 6180.107, "Alternative Record for Illnesses Claimed to be Work-Related" (Form 6180.107), and Form FRA F 6180.150, "Highway User Injury Inquiry Form" (Form 6180.150). This rule also changes the record retention period required under FRA's accident reporting regulations and makes other technical corrections.
Next: 2026-17792, Permitting Use of Computer-Based, Three-Dimensional Simulation for Periodic Refresher Training on Brake Systems
This rule permits railroads to use a simulation that is instructor-led, computer-based, and three-dimensional (3D) to satisfy the hands-on portion of periodic refresher training under FRA's brake system training requirements, consistent with waivers FRA has granted to date. This computer-based 3D simulation training can provide employees with randomized scenarios that may not be readily available for hands-on training and facilitate real-time feedback on performance of duties.